micro 8.6

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which organisms use light energy to produce organic molecules from carbon dioxide.

What is the overall purpose of photosynthesis?

To convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose and other organic molecules.

Which organisms perform photosynthesis?

Plants, algae, cyanobacteria, and some other bacteria.

What are photoautotrophs?

Organisms that use light as an energy source and carbon dioxide as a carbon source.

What is the overall equation for oxygenic photosynthesis?

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.

What are the products of photosynthesis?

Glucose (or other carbohydrates) and oxygen.

What pigment captures light energy during photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

What color is chlorophyll?

Green.

Why does chlorophyll appear green?

It reflects green light and absorbs mainly red and blue wavelengths.

Where does photosynthesis occur in eukaryotic cells?

In chloroplasts.

Where do photosynthetic bacteria carry out photosynthesis?

On specialized internal membrane systems derived from the plasma membrane.

What are the two major stages of photosynthesis?

The light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).

What is the purpose of the light-dependent reactions?

To capture light energy and produce ATP and NADPH.

What is the purpose of the Calvin cycle?

To use ATP and NADPH to convert CO₂ into carbohydrates.

What molecule provides the carbon used to build glucose?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂).

What molecule provides the electrons in oxygenic photosynthesis?

Water (H₂O).

What gas is released when water is split during photosynthesis?

Oxygen (O₂).

What is photophosphorylation?

ATP production using energy from light.

What high-energy electron carrier is produced during the light reactions?

NADPH.

How is NADPH used in photosynthesis?

It provides electrons for the Calvin cycle.

How is ATP used in photosynthesis?

It supplies energy for the Calvin cycle.

Which stage of photosynthesis directly requires sunlight?

The light-dependent reactions.

Does the Calvin cycle require light directly?

No, but it depends on ATP and NADPH produced by the light reactions.

What is carbon fixation?

The incorporation of carbon dioxide into organic molecules.

Which stage of photosynthesis performs carbon fixation?

The Calvin cycle.

What is the ultimate source of energy for photosynthesis?

Sunlight.

Why is photosynthesis important to life on Earth?

It produces organic molecules and releases oxygen needed by many organisms.

What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose, while cellular respiration releases that energy to produce ATP.

What is the main goal of photosynthesis?

To convert light energy into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates.